Elementary Photoshop Final Exam, Part 1

Creating a new folder on the desktop before starting a new project is a wise decision because it helps in organizing and managing project materials effectively. By having a dedicated folder, all project-related files can be stored in one place, making it easier to locate and access them when needed. This practice also helps in avoiding clutter on the desktop and ensures that project materials are kept separate from other files. Overall, creating a new folder on the desktop is a practical step that enhances productivity and efficiency during project work.

In Photoshop, when multiple images are stacked on top of each other, they are referred to as "layers". Each layer can be edited individually, allowing for greater control and flexibility in the design process. The term "layer" is also used to describe a single image or element within the stack.

Starting with a thumbnail sketch before designing on the computer is important because it allows the designer to quickly explore and experiment with different ideas and compositions. It helps in visualizing the overall layout and structure of the design before investing time and effort in creating a detailed digital version. Thumbnail sketches are quick and rough, allowing for easy modifications and iterations. They serve as a valuable brainstorming tool and aid in the efficient development of the final design.

Layers in Photoshop can be rearranged by simply dragging and dropping them in the Layers panel. This allows for easy organization and adjustment of the order in which different elements are displayed in the image. Therefore, the given statement is incorrect.

The lasso tool is used to select an unusually-shaped object in a layer. This tool allows the user to draw a freehand selection around the object by clicking and dragging the cursor. It is particularly useful when the object has irregular edges or when a precise selection is not required. The lasso tool provides flexibility and control in selecting objects with unique shapes.

When saving an image for the web, it should be saved as a .jpg format. This is because .jpg files are compressed and optimized for web use, resulting in smaller file sizes without significant loss of image quality. The .jpg format is widely supported by web browsers and is ideal for photographs and images with complex color gradients. Other formats like .tiff and .psd are not typically used for web images due to their larger file sizes and limited browser compatibility. Therefore, .jpg is the recommended format for web images.

The Levels tool in Photoshop allows you to adjust and manipulate the brightness levels, contrast, and tonal range of an image histogram. This tool is used to fine-tune the overall tonal balance and enhance the image's appearance by stretching or compressing the histogram. By using the Levels tool, you can make adjustments to the shadows, midtones, and highlights of an image, resulting in improved contrast and color balance.

The photograph below demonstrates the use of harmony, repetition, and balance. Harmony is evident in the overall composition, as the elements in the photograph work together cohesively. Repetition is seen in the repeated patterns and shapes throughout the image, creating a sense of rhythm. Balance is achieved through the placement of objects and the distribution of visual weight, creating a sense of equilibrium.

When saving an image for the web, the resolution should be 72 dpi. This is because computer screens typically have a resolution of 72 pixels per inch (ppi), so setting the image resolution to match the screen resolution ensures that the image will be displayed at its intended size and clarity on the web. Higher resolutions like 300 dpi or 540 dpi are more suitable for print purposes, where higher levels of detail are required.

The question asks which of the given options cannot be done with Photoshop. The correct answer is "Create a Flash animation." While Photoshop is a powerful tool for editing and manipulating images, it is not designed for creating animations in Flash format. Flash animations are typically created using software such as Adobe Animate or Adobe Flash Professional, which provide specific tools and features for creating interactive animations.

The clone tool is a feature that enables users to choose a specific area of an image and then replicate or "paint" that area onto another part of the image. This tool is commonly used in photo editing software to remove unwanted objects or to duplicate elements within an image. By selecting the clone tool, users can easily copy and paste a specific area, maintaining the same colors, textures, and details, to achieve a seamless and natural-looking result.

When creating a layout, it is wise to keep the number of font types to a minimum. Using too many different font types can make the layout look cluttered and unprofessional. By limiting the number of font types to 2, the design remains cohesive and visually appealing. This allows for consistency and readability throughout the layout.

The most likely file size for a 300 x 300 pixel photograph saved as a .jpg file would be 60K. This is because .jpg files are known for their compression capabilities, which allows them to reduce the file size while maintaining a decent level of image quality. In this case, the relatively small dimensions of the photograph contribute to a smaller file size.

The keyboard shortcut "B" is commonly used as a shortcut for the Paintbrush tool in various software applications. This tool is typically used for freehand drawing or painting, allowing users to create strokes with various brush styles and sizes. By pressing the "B" key, users can quickly access and activate the Paintbrush tool, making it a convenient shortcut for those who frequently use this tool in their creative work.

The best format for saving an image that you have scanned and will be modifying using Adobe Photoshop is .psd. This is because .psd is the native file format for Adobe Photoshop and it preserves all the layers, masks, and other editing features of the image. By saving the image in .psd format, you can easily make further adjustments and modifications to the image without losing any quality or data.

The Marquee, Lasso, and Magic Wand tools can be used to delete an area of pixels on an image. The Marquee tool allows you to select a specific area by drawing a rectangular or elliptical shape around it. The Lasso tool enables you to make freehand selections by drawing around the desired area. The Magic Wand tool selects pixels of similar color with a single click, making it useful for selecting and deleting specific areas. The Paint Bucket tool is not suitable for deleting pixels, as it is used to fill an area with a specific color. The Type/Text tool is used for adding text to an image and does not have a function for deleting pixels.

The Unsharp Mask filter is the best option for sharpening a slightly blurry image while still maintaining some control over the process. This filter works by creating a blurred copy of the original image and then subtracting this from the original to enhance the edges and details. It allows the user to adjust the amount of sharpening, radius, and threshold to achieve the desired result. The other options, such as Sharpen, Despeckle, Sharpen Edges, and Find Edges, may not provide the same level of control or produce the desired sharpening effect.

The correct answer is 240 dpi. When saving an image for print, the minimum resolution should be 240 dpi. DPI stands for dots per inch, and it refers to the number of dots or pixels that are printed in one inch of the image. A higher dpi means more dots or pixels per inch, resulting in a higher quality and sharper image when printed. While 300 dpi is often considered the standard for print, 240 dpi is still a good resolution for most print materials. 72 dpi is typically used for web or screen display, and 700 dpi is unnecessarily high and may result in larger file sizes without significant improvement in print quality.

The principles of design are guidelines that help artists and designers create visually appealing and effective compositions. Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition, creating a sense of equilibrium. Repetition involves the use of recurring elements to create unity and rhythm. Contrast refers to the juxtaposition of different elements to create visual interest. Harmony refers to the use of similar elements to create a sense of cohesion. Unity refers to the overall sense of oneness and coherence in a composition. Emphasis involves creating a focal point or hierarchy of elements. Color and texture are not explicitly mentioned in the principles of design, so they do not fall under this category.

To save a Photoshop file with all layers visible and editable for future use, it needs to be saved as a .pdf or .psd format file. The .pdf format allows for easy sharing and viewing, while the .psd format preserves all the layers and other editable elements of the file. Saving the file as .jpg or .gif formats would flatten the layers and make them uneditable.